Your Pregnancy Week 13

You

Your uterus has grown quite a bit. You can probably feel its upper edge above the pubic bone in the lowest part of your abdomen, about 10cm below your belly button. At 12 - 13 weeks, your uterus fills your pelvis and starts growing upwards into your abdomen. It feels like a soft smooth ball.

You have probably gained some weight by now. If morning sickness has been a problem and you have had a hard time eating, you may not have gained much weight. As you feel better and as your baby rapidly starts to gain weight, you'll also gain weight.

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Having pains in your abdomen this week may be common. Your abdomen will begin expanding, and when it does, the muscles, tissues and ligaments need to stretch too. This stretching may occur quickly and cause you some pain, especially if this is your first pregnancy. To prevent sharp pains across your lower belly, move more slowly and reduce your physical activity until they have stretched comfortably. You should avoid sit-ups during exercise for the duration of your pregnancy.

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TIP! You may find your vaginal discharge increases with pregnancy. This is partly due to an increase in estrogen production and greater blood flow to the vaginal area. Wearing panty liners may help to make you feel more comfortable.

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Your baby

Baby continues her growth spurt. She is 7.4cm long from crown to rump and weighs 23 grams. Her intestines will emerge from the umbilical cord and shift into her stomach cavity. Her intestines won't be in their proper place for a few more weeks, but they are getting there! When they do move into the correct position, they will remain fairly empty until the end of the pregnancy. Fluid will flow through her system and be filtered through the kidneys and bladder as urine.